The preliminary studies of application the algae Mougeotia sp. for the removal of synthetic dyes

Biological methods of removal of synthetic dyes are cost effective and environmentally safe but still need improvement. The preliminary studies were focused on possibility of application of the freshwater algae Mougeotia sp. for the removal of synthetic dyes belonging to different chemical groups. Decolorization of water solutions of six dyes from four chemical groups were studied: azo – Evans blue (EB) and Congo red (CR); triphenylmethane (TPM) – brilliant green (BG) and crystal violet (CV); fluorone – bengal rose (BR) and anthraquinone – remazol brilliant blue R (RB). Dyes were used at three concentrations 0.005, 0.025 and 0.05 g/dm3. The best results of dyes removal were reached in case of both triphenylmethane dyes (BG and CV) and fluorone BR for all used dyes concentrations (97–100 %). Increase of azo dyes concentration was connected with the decrease of the removal efficiency (CR – 68–100 %; EB – 37–87 %). In case of the antraquinone RB the inverse effect was observed and the best removal results were reached at higher dye concentrations. Preliminary results point out the possibility of use Mougeotia sp. in processes of synthetic dyes removal, but further studies are required.